MEDINA – In support of public safety efforts, and with the help of state Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda), the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library unveiled its newly installed automated external defibrillator (AED). Senator Ortt helped to fund the life-saving device by securing $5,000 for the Orleans County library as part of the 2016-17 State Budget.   

A defibrillator aims to prevent death from a cardiac arrest. Defibrillators shock the heart to restore a normal rhythm in individuals suffering from a heart attack or other heart irregularities.

Lee-Whedon Memorial’s defibrillator is located behind the circulation desk at the library’s front entrance. The library purchased the defibrillator to ensure public safety. According to the library’s director Catherine Cooper, there is an increase in the number of people visiting the library during the summer months. More visitors could mean the device is more likely to be used in a case of an emergency.

Last year’s funding was also used to implement a computer coding class and a Music for Tots program this summer.